Monday, November 21, 2011

Winter showed its chilly disposition this week plunging temperatures
into the minuses.This time of year everyone needs to be
proactive and prevent chapped lips.One
of the best ways of soothing this tender tissue is to reach for a slice of
cucumber!

This ubiquitous vegetable hydrates, cools and sooths when applied to
your lips and eyes or grated for an exquisite mask and tonic for the entire
face.

Belonging to the same family as pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon and
squash, cucumbers are rich in natural
salts, enzymes, vitamins and minerals which are essential for the repair and development
of cells. They are also powerful antioxidants
and because of their high water content, great for helping to flush the system;
the alkalinity of cucumbers make them a
top choice as a diuretic.

Found in most spas (in addition to teas) cucumber water is one of my
favourite beverages in-between treatments.

So when the thermometer dips and your lips need some tender loving care,
slice up some cucumber, and hold it to your lips for several minutes and it
will help with the irritation and dryness that comes with this seasonal change. I also love to apply (after I use the cucumbers) organic coconut oil
which has rich emollient properties, it helps retain the moisture generated from the cucumber.

Spa Girl also advocates drinking at least two to three litres of water a
day to avoid dehydration, this is especially important in the winter!

The George Mateljan Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation with no
commercial interests or advertising, is a new force for change to help make a
healthier you and a healthier world.

Friday, November 4, 2011

I love a good salt scrub, not only does it
exfoliate your entire body it helps stimulate blood and lymph flow.Followed by a relaxing Vichy shower this it
is one of my favourite spa treatments.

In between Spa visits I routinely dry brush my skin
which provides the same important benefits.
Skin brushing helps to improve your skin by removing dead cells and stimulates the regeneration of new
skin, it also encourages blood circulation, improves lymphatic flow and greatly
enhances elimination of toxins. And when
you thought there was no hope of getting rid of cellulite, skin brushing will
help with that as well!

The skin is the largest organ in our bodies, and helps to remove up to 2
pounds of waste each day; as a daily routine, skin brushing is one of the most
important detox activities you can add to your 'get healthy stay healthy'
regime.

• Dry skin brushing
increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic
wastes, which greatly aids the lymphatic drainage of the entire body. When the
body rids itself of toxins, it is able to run more efficiently in all areas.

• Dry skin brushing
also helps to tighten the skin because it increases the flow of blood.
Increasing the circulation to the skin can also help lessen the appearance of
cellulite.

• Dry skin brushing
stimulates the lymph canals to drain toxic mucoid matter into the colon,
thereby purifying the entire system. This enables the lymph to perform its
house-cleaning duties by keeping the blood and other vital tissues detoxified.
After several days of dry brushing, you may notice the gelatinous mucoid
material in your stools.

• Dry skin brushing
helps with muscle tone and more even distribution of fat deposits.

• Dry skin brushing
also rejuvenates the nervous system by stimulating nerve endings in the skin.

• Individuals who
sit at a computer screen all day long will particularly take pleasure in the
benefits of skin brushing. People who have inactive lifestyles or jobs usually
experience stiff and sore necks and shoulders that reach even into their arms
and down their spines and into their lower backs. Increased blood flow begins
entering the areas brushed and you will experience an increase in
electromagnetic energy that permits you to feel energized and invigorated.

• Cellulite is
toxic materials that are accumulated in your body’s fat cells as they are
unable to be eliminated. So, rather than liposuction surgery, how about
utilizing the “dry skin brushing” techniques coupled with an alkaline diet
program and a great exercising routine. It will break down the unwelcome toxic
body deposits and send them scurrying out of your body through the elimination
channels we discussed above.

Starting at the soles of your feet and work your way up your legs, then front
(use a circular
clock-wise motion on this part of your body) then the back, brushing vigorously as you go. Last
the hands and arms always brushing in the direction of your heart.

Skin brushing is ideal first thing in the morning or before you take a
shower.

Spa Girls Blog

I created the SPA GIRL blog in 2009 because I wanted to share my spa experiences.
I am a big fan of aromatherapy,
thalassotherapy, spa cuisine and history.
I love to pamper myself, inside and out! And why not? I work hard, travel a lot and find the spa experience exciting each and every time.
Since the beginning of history, people have resorted to springs, baths, and spas for the therapeutic effects and power of their healing waters. Today the Spa experience has expanded to include so many ways to live a happy, healthy, holistic lifestyle.
Relax, rejuvenate, and restore: that’s Spa Girl's motto.
Spa Girl covers a number of my interests including: aromatherapy, home spa treatments, spa modalities, feel good tips, spa destinations, natural products and spa foods.
Spa Girl is also on facebook where in addition to my blogs I post links to other spa writers, spa reviews and tips.
I have studied aromatherapy for a number of years and create my own salt scrubs, bath oils, soaps and skin creams.
I am an avid researcher and love to research all aspects of the spa industry, study and of course try every spa experience there is.
My other passion is art museums.